A40370:631
Of free justification
Of free justification by Christ written first in Latin by John Fox, author of the Book of martyrs, against Osorius, &c. and now translated into English, for the benefit of those who love their own souls, and would not be mistaken in so great a point.Of free justification by Christ written first in Latine by John Fox, author of the Book of martyrs, against Osorius, &c. and now translated into English, for the benefit of those who love their own souls, and would not be mistaken in so great a point.
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1694
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Osorius adds his Vote to theirs: If Faith only is sufficient, and if every Action that 1we do, is unprofitable and defiled, it follows, that all who embrace this imaginary Faith, do altogether neglect good ⟨p. 357⟩Works, &c. And elsewhere. Therefore you cannot by such Doctrine, exhort a Harlot to forsake her Lust, nor a Thief to refrain his covetous desire of other Mens Goods, nor a wicked Man to depart from his […] but that he should […] this naked and empty Faith only, which is void of all works of Charity; for by such instructions, he will conceive a strong persuasion, that by this Faith only, he is very dear to God. Than which, what can be more absurd? 2Though I grant this to be true, that nothing can be more absurd, than if we say that Harlots, Highwaymen, and Outrageous Cut-throats, who breaking the bonds of natural Modesty, give themselves up wilfully to all impurity, are acceptable to God by Faith only. I say, suppose we grant this to be true, what follows from hence? Then Faith only (as you say) doth not justify. O ingenious arguing, worthy of the Roman Mitres. It is true, that such as your Description sets forth to us, are not Justified by Faith. But what a Connection is this? there are many, who by the Preaching of free Justification, are encouraged to a greater Licentiousness in sinning. Therefore, that which is taught concerning justifying Faith, is false. As 3if the Truth or Falsehood of things depended on the using or abusing of them. What hath ever been so right or good, but evil Men have made it the occasion of Destruction to themselves, or others, by the abuse thereof. If this Argument were reasonable, the Sun might cease to shine, ⟨p. 358⟩because there are some that abuse his light, to commit the vilest Enormities: And healthful Herbs may cease to be planted 4in Gardens, because the venomous Spider sucks the worst poison out of them. The Physician also may cease to Administer Medicines, because there are some found, who after they have recovered their Health, do sometimes commit such things, that it had been better, if they had still lain sick in Bed. Yea, on the Lord's days there are not a few, that through idleness, commit many sins.